LAHORE : The Punjab government on Saturday launched a crackdown on flour mills and retailers over atta prices following the discontinuation of subsidised wheat releases from official stocks.
Shops in the provincial capital were sealed for selling flour at rates linked to open market wheat prices, as the government is no longer providing subsidised grain after the arrival of the new crop. A shop on Bhogiwal Road, Kot Khwaja Saeed, was sealed by the Sub-Divisional Enforcement Officer (Shalimar) for selling a 10kg atta bag at Rs1,050. The action followed a May 2 notice issued to flour mills for supplying 10kg and 20kg bags at higher ex-mill rates.
Officials termed the increase “overcharging and unjustified” under the Punjab Foodgrains Licensing Control Order, 1957, citing retail inspections conducted in the city. However, no updated notified price for wheat or flour was specified.
Sources said the government had ensured wheat prices of around Rs3,500 per 40kg for farmers, while flour prices continued to be linked to an earlier notified rate of Rs3,000 per 40kg.
Millers criticised the action as unjustified, arguing that flour prices are now determined by open market wheat rates after the suspension of subsidised supply. They said wheat procurement is currently taking place at Rs3,500 or above per 40kg.
Mill owners warned that coercive measures by the food authorities could force them to halt production and sale of 10kg and 20kg flour bags, despite limited supply resuming after recent price adjustments.
